Weekly agrometeorological forecast for the end of July and the beginning of August

By the end of July and during the first days of August, the development of agricultural crops will proceed at temperatures close to the climatic norms, and in many parts of the country – with improved soil moisture reserves.

After the storms, hail and torrential rains (Ruse - 45 l/m², Silistra - 43 l/m² and Shumen - 33 l/m²) that fell during the last days of the past period, stabilization of the weather and a change in the agrometeorological conditions are expected in the following period. The hail that fell in many places in Northern Bulgaria (Vratsa, Polski Trambesh, Troyan, Ruse, Tsarev Brod) once again did not spare the agricultural crops. Damage has been caused to part of the unharvested wheat stands (lodging of the crops, shattering of the ears), as well as to spring crops, vegetable crops and fruit trees.

At the beginning of the next period, at the first opportunity, the vegetable crops, fruit trees and vines affected by hail should preferably be treated with copper-containing fungicides in order to accelerate wound healing and reduce secondary infections by pathogens (grey mould on vines, late brown rot on the fruits of fruit trees, potato late blight and Alternaria on tomatoes). 

By the end of July and during the first days of August, the development of agricultural crops will proceed at temperatures close to the climatic norms, and in many parts of the country – with improved soil moisture reserves. During the period, in the earlier maize hybrids, the milk maturity stage will be observed and a transition from milk to wax maturity in the stands in places in the Danubian Plain and in the southern regions of the country. In sunflower, seed filling will be taking place. At the beginning of August, part of the stands in Southern Bulgaria will enter the beginning of the ripening stage.

During the period, the increased moisture content in the upper soil layers will in places delay the completion of the wheat harvest.

Source: NIMH-BAS